Borneo Rainforests & Villages Wildlife Safari Tour
Amazing Ecosystems & Luxury Eco-Lodges
- Available: June, July, August
- Activity: Level 2
- Accommodations: Comfortable Hotels, Luxury Hotels
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Group Size:
4-14 Guests
Min Age: 8
Highlights
- Discover incredible rare and endangered wildlife, including the Bornean orangutan, in untouched old-growth rainforests
- Enjoy unique safari experiences at dawn and observe animals cooling off riverside at dusk
- Visit the Bajau Laut's famed stilt villages and learn about their fascinating semi-nomadic lifestyle
Itinerary
Arrive in Borneo
Day 1
Welcome to Sandakan, a bustling city in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo! The island is divided into three countries - Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia - but your visit will focus on Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Meet an MT Sobek representative at the airport and then transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort, where you receive a brief orientation and a welcome dinner in the evening.
Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Transportation: 30-minute private van transfer
Meals: Dinner
Visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve
Day 2
Today begin by visiting the Sun Bear Center for a private tour with the project coordinator. Next head to the amazing facilities at Sepilok Forest Reserve and watch the morning feeding at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. After enjoying lunch back at the lodge, visit the Rainforest Discovery Center and learn about the rainforest ecosystem as you search for wildlife. Return to the lodge this evening for dinner and some relaxation.
Accommodation: My Nature Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the Kinabatangan River
Day 3
Take a boat journey to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a beautiful eco-resort offering a wide range of jungle activities. At 340 miles long, the Kinabatangan River has Borneo's highest concentration of fauna, enabling you to see some local residents, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, silver leaf langurs, hornbills, and proboscis monkeys. After lunch, take a hike and then head out for a river cruise at dusk - the best way to view the amazing wildlife that comes down to the banks come evening. Later, take a walk in search of more nocturnal wildlife.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort-Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Transportation: 1.5-hour boat journey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruise the Kinabatangan River at Dawn & Dusk
Day 4
Watch the sunrise during an early-morning river safari cruise. Back on land, stop in a local village where you are treated to a home-cooked breakfast and learn about the Orang Sungai's culture. Return to the lodge for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon away from the hot sun. At dusk, board a riverboat for a cruise to view more nocturnal wildlife while they are feeding.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort-Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Transportation: 2-3 hours river cruising in morning & 2-hours cruising in afternoon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey to the Beautiful Danum Valley
Day 5
En route to the Danum Valley today, stop to explore Gomantong Caves, the region's largest limestone outcropping and home to serpent eagles, kingfishers, and Asian fairy bluebirds. Take a short trek to the giant cave opening, where millions of bats and swiftlets roost, and spot orangutans and red leaf langurs in the surrounding area. Continue to the five-star lodge in Danum Valley, a protected swath of rainforest where 320 different species of trees are found in just two acres! This evening, head out for a night safari in search of hunting mammals in the open areas along the roads.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge-Danum Valley, Malaysia
Transportation: 5-hour boat and vehicle transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Walk Under the Rainforest Canopy
Day 6
Rise and shine! Wake up early this morning for a canopy walk before breakfast. For the remainder of the morning, explore the forest, looking for birds and primates from the many trails and canopy walks that radiate from the lodge. Around noon, join your guide for a spectacular hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a refreshing dip in the rock pools. After dinner, take a night hike, exploring the forest and its nocturnal residents.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge-Danum Valley, Malaysia
Activity: 3-5 miles walking with 500' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spot Wildlife & Swim in the Danum River
Day 7
Enjoy another relaxing day exploring this amazing forest and searching for orangutans, gibbons, and possibly a herd of elephants. Your trip leader guides you on walks through the forest and takes you for a refreshing swim in the Danum River.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge-Danum Valley, Malaysia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a Scenic Trip to Pom Pom Island
Day 8
Embark on a journey to Semporna, the gateway to Borneo's beautiful east coast islands, then on to Pom Pom Island, known for its sandy beach and coral reef. The island's lack of a village makes your two-day visit even more special, as you stay at an eco-resort committed to minimizing human impact. Check into the resort and enjoy lunch before spending the rest of the day relaxing, snorkeling, or diving the island's famous reef. Enjoy your private cabin (with its own covered porch and optional air conditioning) and the spa.
Accommodation: Pom Pom Island Resort
Transportation: 4-hour private van transfer & 1-hour boat transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Tun Sakaran Marine Park & Visit the Bajau Laut
Day 9
Spend the day exploring the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, a natural preserve consisting of eight islands. While there, visit the traditional Bajau Laut villages and learn about their fascinating culture. The Bajau Laut are one of the last nomadic seafarers in Southeast Asia, and their houses are made of simple wooden huts on stilts - built in the middle of the ocean! Snorkel on pristine reefs and soak up some sun, too.
Accommodation: Pom Pom Island Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Kota Kinabalu
Day 10
Check out of the beautiful resort and depart Pom Pom Island to board the speedboat back to Semporna. From there, drive to Tawau Airport for your flight to the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu on the South China Sea. Upon arrival, transfer to the Jesselton Hotel, a modern and elegant accommodation reminiscent of the colonial era. The afternoon is free to relax or explore the city. Choose from visiting its vibrant markets, strolling along the boardwalk, or lounging on the beach. Gather with the group tonight for a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Jesselton Hotel-Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Accommodation: Luma HotelTransportation: 1-hour boat transfer & 1-hour vehicle transfer & 1-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depart from Borneo
Day 11
After breakfast, bid farewell to Borneo and transfer to the airport for your homeward-bound flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Dates & Prices
- 2023
- Go Private
- Go Custom
- Inclusions
2023
Scheduled Dates
The earlier you book, the more choice of available dates you’ll have and once you book, your price is guaranteed.
- $7,695 price per person dbl occ+$155 internal airfare+$1,225 single supplementCheck for Availability
- $7,695 price per person dbl occ+$155 internal airfare+$1,225 single supplementAvailableConfirmed
- $7,695 price per person dbl occ+$155 internal airfare+$1,225 single supplementAvailable
Go Private
Go Private
Gather your favorite travel companions to share an MT Sobek adventure on an easy-to-book Private departure.
Call or email us to get the ball rolling.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Private Trip Pricing:
2023 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
6 to 10 guests from $7,695 per person double occupancy
2024 Pricing
4 to 5 guests from $8,695 per person double occupancy
6 to 7 guests from $8,495 per person double occupancy
8 to 9 guests from $8,295 per person double occupancy
10 guests from $7,995 per person double occupancy
Additional Costs:
Internal Airfare: $155
Private pricing excludes potential additional costs such as internal airfare, single supplement, or any park fees that may be required for the trip.
*Private trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit.
Take Over One of These Dates
- Jun 20 - 30, 2023
- Aug 08 - 18, 2023
- Jun 20 - 30, 2024
- Jul 31 - Aug 10, 2024
- Sep 12 - 22, 2024
Make Your Own Dates in These Months
-
June, July, August
Go Custom
Create Your Very Own Adventure
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
Start PlanningInclusions
Price Includes
- Expertise and services of our experienced adventure guides
- All accommodations as noted in the itinerary
- All breakfasts, almost all lunches and dinners as noted in the itinerary
- Snacks and water between meals
- Additional regional guides and experts on many trips
- Comprehensive Trip Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at historic sites, museums, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the itinerary
- Special events and other select attractions as mentioned in the itinerary
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Equipment and experienced guides for activities as described in the itinerary
- Park and other entry fees (unless otherwise noted)
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the itinerary
- Select transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare, airport taxes, and excess baggage fees
- Alcoholic beverages (MT Sobek provides wine at select events)
- Gratuities for MT Sobek guides and guide-drivers
- Travel Protection Program
- Personal expenses
Need help picking your next adventure? Call us to answer your questions.
Your Guides
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Charlie Ryan
Charlie's passion for outdoor adventure, traveling, and nature has been strong his entire life. Hawaii's lush jungles first caught his attention, Central America's rainforests broadened his horizons and, finally, he found Borneo. Well-rounded in the ecology of the Bornean rainforest, he is experienced with species identification of mammals, birds, amphibians, and snakes. He has strong leadership abilities and is comfortable in any situation. He is also certified in Wilderness First Aid and has a good understanding of wilderness survival. Charlie lives in Borneo, speaks Bahasa Malay, and has strong connections with people working to save this beautiful region.
Dean Jais
Not many people can say they've introduced the royal couple to an orangutan and her baby, but Dean can! Fueled by a curious personality, with the jungle as his classroom, Dean started guiding in his late teens. From nature novice to jungle guru, Dean quickly excelled, which led him to win the esteemed Best Specialized Tour Guide award at The Sabah Tourism Awards in 2015. His knowledge and passion for the rainforest are contagious when traveling with him. Meet Dean on MT Sobek's Borneo adventures.
Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 2. You will enjoy leisurely walks every day of up to 5 miles through animal and nature reserves and virgin rainforest. There will also be opportunities to swim and snorkel.
Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 6
3-5 miles walking with 500' elevation gain
Accommodations
Remote and luxurious eco-lodges and eco-resorts, allowing you to access some of the most rare and endangered wildlife on the planet.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge-Danum Valley, Malaysia
Borneo Rainforest Lodge seamlessly combines the indoor with the outdoor, and the wild with the refined. Airy, open-beam common areas make for comfortable meeting places, while beautifully appointed guest rooms have modern amenities, outdoor soaking tubs, and balconies. Canopy walkways connect lodge to rainforest, where you can view an incredible variety of wildlife, such as orangutans, gibbons, and countless birds.
Jesselton Hotel-Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The oldest hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the Jesselton is a colonial gem. Well-appointed guest rooms include WiFi and modern en-suite bathrooms, while elegant decor, excellent service, and a fine restaurant round out the experience. The Jesselton Hotel is conveniently located near most major attractions, with restaurants, shops, and the Sunday market all within walking distance.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort-Kinabatangan, Malaysia
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is an organically constructed resort combining modern luxury with a beautiful location, built in the middle of a nature sanctuary. The surrounding wetlands have a tremendously rich ecosystem with a wide range of rare species. Boasting comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and great service, this jungle retreat is a modern pearl in the middle of an ageless forest.
Pom Pom Island Resort
This resort recently earned a certificate of excellence from TripAdvisor for consistently earning great reviews from its guests. This is a private resort in a gorgeous setting with a healthy population of marine life and offers world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. The resort has its own private beach, complete with comfortable water villas. There is a delicious onsite Malaysian restaurant, and a variety of juices, snacks and other refreshments readily available help enjoy the water, sun, and seascape.
My Nature Resort
My Nature Resort, a new eco-friendly destination, offers 24 comfortable rooms with balconies where you can wake up to the sounds of nature and soak in breathtaking rainforest views. Savor a delicious buffet breakfast at the on-site restaurant, or relax with a cocktail. The real highlight is the incredible scenery that awaits outside: walk the 1,000-foot boardwalk to explore the natural beauty of the Sepilok Protected Forest Reserve!
Luma Hotel
Located in Sabah's tropical rainforest, The Luma Hotel is the city's first creative design hotel. Each room is nicely designed with modern furnishing and comfortable bedding, creating a cozy environment complimented by the natural beauty outside. Unwind at the gym, or indulge in a tasty meal at Jojo Gastrobar, their rooftop dining hall and bar, after a day's adventure!
Weather
Temperatures stay around 80F year round, with an average of 80% humidity. Expect quick changes in weather and be prepared for rain.
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Our MT Sobek representative will meet you at the Sandakan International Airport.
Do I need a visa for Borneo?
No, American citizens do not need a visa for Malaysian Borneo.
How do I get to Sandakan?
Connect through Hong Kong, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. The main airlines that fly to Borneo from the U.S. are Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia.
If I want to arrive early, should I stay an extra night in Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan?
We recommend flying into Kota Kinabalu, as there is more to do. You could then take a one-way flight to Sandakan to start the trip.
Do I need to bring leech socks and what are they?
Our guide will provide them for you. They are first line defense to fend off forest leech, a.k.a. little blood suckers.
What kind of wildlife will I see on this trip?
Although we cannot guarantee sightings, Borneo's rainforest is teeming with animals. You have very high chances to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, hornbills, and much more.
Does this trip contribute to any local conservation efforts?
Yes! This trip helps support a local foundation that funds community projects in the village of Sayap. Palm oil is a main source of income in this area, which contributes to deforestation. The foundation's community projects provide skill training and jobs for locals to replace traditional palm oil plantations.
